"The Absence of Color" is a novel about four families that evolve together through tragic coincidences. It is the story of the power of opportunity and those who seize it. It is a novel about redemption and understanding; of the power of money and the sins of government. It is a story of finding oneself no matter how arduous the search. It is a story of the aftermath of war and the milk of human kindness. It is the triumph of the human spirit against unlikely odds. It is also a story about unlikely friendships among twins of Anglo descent, an African-American teenager, a Mexican-American youth and a Japanese-American young man. It is this lasting bond of friendship, which personifies the landscape of the American people-the rich diversity of our citizens. Mostly, it is about the power of love and the many ways that love manifests itself. Set in Colorado during the decade of the 1950's and ending in 1960, it is a story about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.